Mount Taishan-Hongmen Palace

Mount Taishan-Hongmen Palace (First Heavenly Gate) is located north of Daizongfang Arch at the foot of Mount Tai. It is the starting point for the central hiking route and is named for the red rock on the southern cliff that resembles a gate.

It is actually a complex of temple-style buildings, also known as Red Gate Palace. It features a semi-enclosed, concave space, and with the three white stone archways and steles in front, it forms a group of ancient buildings that are staggered in height, vibrant in color, and resemble a stairway to heaven. Looking north from the Feiyun Pavilion cave, the path is lined with trees and stone steps stretch into the distance, creating the historic scene known as "Dawn at Red Gate."

To the west of the road in front lies the Guandi Temple, originally dedicated to Guan Yu, a famous general of the Shu Han state during the Three Kingdoms period. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Shanxi salt merchants often gathered here to worship and pray to the god of fortune, hence it is also known as the Shanxi Guild Hall. East of the palace, across the stream and to the south, is the site of the White Mule Tomb. Behind the palace stands a giant rock inscribed with "Little Mount Tai." It is said to be the incarnation of Bixia Yuanjun, and there was originally a small temple dedicated to her where pilgrims used to burn incense and pray for blessings. The temple was destroyed after the founding of the People's Republic of China and rebuilt in 1985. A little further north on the west side of the road are 26 "Heshan Huiji" steles, which record the grand occasion of pilgrims visiting the mountain in the past; it is now known as the Small Stele Forest.